Service

Donations

This core value lesson consists of two parts: donating books and donating animals.

Books:

I start the lesson by discussing what service means. We talk about giving our time and also giving material things, such as books. I show my students a website called We Give Books, an initiative that provides free books to those who need them. Watch the clip below to learn more about this site. Also, visit We Give Books' YouTube channel to see more informative and inspirational videos.

Animals:

The next part of my lesson involves Heifer International, an organization that provides environmentally-sound agricultural training and livestock in over 40 countries, including the U.S. I start by showing my students a video that describes Heifer International. More videos can be found on their official YouTube channel.

I offered to donate $50 worth of animals (1 flock of chicks for $20 and honeybees for $30). My students were able to choose which animal they wanted to personally support and write a reflection paper about why they chose that particular animal. We closed the lesson by sharing our writing pages and signing a donation poster. Once I visit all of my classrooms, I will send in my donation in my students' names. To help pay for this lesson, try taking donations as a school or writing a grant (Ohio example).

Coupon Book

One activity that I use for "Service" is a coupon book. Students create a book with free, helpful things they can do for others at school. Then, students can give the coupons out as they see fit. However, I do encourage students to pick those who they do not know as well, reflecting on who could benefit most from a kind gesture (i.e. someone who feels left out).